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Using neuroimaging to evaluate and guide pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for mood disorders in children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 February 2015

Manpreet K. Singh*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
Amy S. Garrett
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
Kiki D. Chang
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
*
*Address for correspondence: Manpreet Kaur Singh, M.D. M.S., Stanford University School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5719, USA. (Email: mksingh@stanford.edu)

Abstract

Mood disorders are increasing in childhood, and often require multimodal and comprehensive treatment plans to address a complex array of symptoms and associated morbidities. Pharmacotherapy, in combination with psychotherapeutic interventions, is essential for treatment and stabilization. Current evidence supports the use of a number of interventions in children and adolescents diagnosed with DSM-5 mood spectrum disorders, which are associated with impairments in prefrontal–striatal–limbic networks, which are key for emotional functioning and regulation. Yet, little is known about the neurobiological effects of interventions on the developing brain. This chapter provides a synopsis of the literature demonstrating the neural effects of psychotropic medications and psychotherapy in youth with depressive or bipolar spectrum disorders. Additional longitudinal and biological studies are warranted to characterize the effects of these interventions on all phases and stages of mood illness development in children and adolescents.

Type
Review Articles
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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